The Donald Strachey films get better and better. In ICE BLUES - the fourth in the series - the performers have really relaxed into their roles and the film noir storytelling is top-drawer. The tribute to the genre mixed with the modern twist (a detective who just happens to be gay and happily partnered) seems effortless here - whereas in other hands I couldn't imagine the premise working. The lighting makes the most daring and successful contribution with lots of shadows and film noir angles giving the film its classy but raw 1940's feel. Chad Allen is steadfast as usual as Strachey. If never surprising in his portrayal, he anchors the film smartly. As usual, there's some stellar support - this time in the person of Sherry Miller (who played the supportive Mom on TV's "Queer as Folk"). Her quiet intensity is always worth watching. Like most detective yarns, the film starts to twist a few times too many in the third reel, but keep with it and it resolves in a satisfying - and maybe even surprising - way.